Dedicated to All Better

Whether treating a toddler in an emergency or supporting a teen through chemotherapy treatments, we are dedicated to the care of each patient. It’s through teamwork at every level of Children's Healthcare of Atlanta and with you, the family, that we are able to achieve excellence in pediatric care.

To make kids better today and healthier tomorrow

With a proven track record of providing world-class care to patients in more than 30 pediatric specialties, we are a model for other pediatric hospitals. Infants, teens and young adults belong in a children’s hospital where they can get specialized treatment from caregivers who know the important differences between children and adults.

Search by age

Seeking answers to challenging medical conditions

Research is a cornerstone of the Children's Healthcare of Atlanta mission to enhance the lives of children. In conjunction with Emory University School of Medicine, Georgia Tech and Morehouse, Children’s seeks answers to the most challenging childhood medical conditions through teaching and research.

Getting Kids on a Healthy Track—Simplified

We all want happy, healthy kids. But as a busy parent, helping your kids eat well and stay active can be a challenge.

At Strong4Life, created by Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, our doctors, nutritionists and wellness experts create fun, easy ways to help your kids eat, move and live healthier. From picky eaters to passionate gamers, we have a slew of simple tips by experts who understand, because we’re parents, too.

Make a difference in children’s lives

As a not-for-profit organization, Children's Healthcare of Atlanta relies on the generous financial and volunteer support of our community. Your donations directly impact the lives of each family served by Children’s and support many initiatives such as clinical excellence, research, teaching, wellness and charity care.

Meet Spencer, a Pulmonary Hypertension Patient

Spencer Headrick is like a lot of other teenage boys: he likes playing video games and golf, he’s interested in classic cars and photography, and he’s thinking about what college he’d like to attend.

But the 14-year-old hasn’t always been able to pursue his interests—or even go to school. Diagnosed at 21 months with pulmonary hypertension, Spencer has to be careful not to overexert himself, and he must avoid activities such as contact sports.

With help from Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, however, Spencer has made incredible strides.

Spencer’s mother, Sharon Pruitt, said that as a baby, Spencer was at the doctor constantly because his lips often turned blue. During one trip to an urgent care center, Spencer’s fever spiked so high that he had a seizure and was rushed to Children’s, where a doctor noticed one side of the toddler’s chest was larger than the other. Tests confirmed the doctor’s suspicions: Spencer was diagnosed with pulmonary hypertension, a type of high blood pressure that affects the arteries in the lungs and heart.

“It was the scariest moment in my life,” Sharon said. “I didn’t know if I’d be leaving the hospital with my son.”

For about a decade, Spencer was on medication to help with his symptoms, but in summer 2012, it became less effective. When school started in the fall, Sharon said that Spencer again experienced chest pain, and his lips turned blue from exertion. Doctors found his blood oxygen level—which should be between 95 and 100 percent—was in the low 60s. Spencer agreed to give a different treatment a try.

In December, Spencer and his doctors talked about putting him on an intravenous supply of a new drug to ease his breathing problems. Similar to an insulin pump, a device worn on his belt would provide a continuous stream of medication.

“He’d felt so bad for so long, he just wanted to try it,” Sharon said.

Before the new treatment, Spencer had little energy and often couldn’t make it through a whole day in school.

“He didn’t have a good life,” Sharon said.

Spencer used to get winded performing even basic tasks, but the new medicine has made a noticeable difference.

“We live on a hill, and I used to have to stop three times going to the mailbox and back,” he said. “Now, I don’t have to stop.”

Spencer, who is working hard to catch up on school work, said he’d like to be a cardiologist or pulmonologist. He and Sharon are both thankful for the wonderful staff at Children’s.